Nielsen Names IBM Exec David Kenny CEO

Nielsen has picked its new CEO: David Kenny, previously head of IBM’s artificial-intelligence unit and former chief exec of the Weather Company.

Kenny succeeds 22-year Nielsen veteran Mitch Barns, who as previously announced is retiring from the media-measurement company. Barns, who had been CEO since 2013, will step down as chief executive officer on Dec. 3, and will remain with the company until Dec. 31 in an advisory capacity to Kenny.

Statement - Nielsen - Chairman - James - Attwood

In a statement, Nielsen exec chairman James Attwood said Kenny’s “decades of experience in Big Data, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and media make him perfectly suited to lead Nielsen at this critical time.”

Kenny’s appointment comes as Nielsen continues to undergo a strategic-review process, including a potential sale. According to the company, the board’s review could result in a separation of either Nielsen’s Watch or Buy segments, a sale of the entire company, or Nielsen continuing to operate as a publicly traded independent company. “The board looks forward to David’s participation in the ongoing strategic review as we work to enhance shareholder value,” said Attwood.

Kenny - Statement - Nielsen - Intersection - Data

Kenny said in a prepared statement, “Nielsen is uniquely placed at the intersection of marketing data and technology. In today’s era of fast-moving, ever-changing consumers and markets, it is this combination that drives businesses forward.”